Seanad debates

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Business of Seanad(1 speech) I have received notice from Senator Mary White that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Foreign...

Order of Business(233 speeches) The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the provision of child care services, which will be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and which will conclude not later than 6.30 p.m....

Child Care Services: Statements(21 speeches) I welcome the opportunity to address this House on the budget for 2009. I thank Senators for requesting a debate on this matter at this time, especially as major changes are taking place in the...

Visit of German Delegation(1 speech) Before I call on the next speaker, I am sure Members of the House will wish to join with me in welcoming a delegation from the Bundestag led by Dr. Lukrezia Jochimsen, Chairman of the...

Child Care Services: Statements (Resumed)(6 speeches) I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on child care and its provision. Before doing so, in addition to welcoming the visiting delegation, I welcome my colleagues, the Ministers of State...

Irish Prisoners Abroad(2 speeches) I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. According to current figures, between 800 and 1,000 Irish people are incarcerated in prisons overseas. The majority of these prisoners...

Postgraduate Medical Training(11 speeches) Will the same Minister be taking this matter? The Minister, Deputy Martin, would do it very well as he is a former Minister for Health and Children. He would probably be happy to take it.

Student Support Schemes(3 speeches) I welcome the Minister of State. I appreciate that the Minister for Education and Science is abroad at present. The Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, needs to meet his Northern counterpart to...

Debates this month

What is the Seanad?

Seanad Éireann is the upper house of the Oireachtas. Within 90 days of its being
passed by the Dáil, the Seanad may propose amendments, reject or pass a Bill.
The Dáil has the power to over-ride the Seanad's rejection of a Bill. If the Bill is
a 'Money Bill' and relates to government spending, the Seanad has only 21 days to consider
the Bill and may not make amendments. The Seanad consists of 60 members known as Senators. They are not elected by universal franchise; you can
read about the Seanad's composition
here.